A soft, spiced carrot cake layered with silky cream cheese frosting, delicately sweet and perfectly balanced. Each bite brings together warm notes of cinnamon, tender carrots, and a rich, tangy creaminess, finished with a light, festive touch that makes it as beautiful as it is comforting. A true Easter centerpiece—fresh, nostalgic, and irresistibly indulgent. 

Cuzzupe are traditional Easter cookies from Calabria, Italy. Originating in a region that was once quite poor, these simple, moderately firm treats became especially cherished by children—particularly when adorned with sugar and, if they were fortunate, a few colorful sprinkles. Their dry texture makes them ideal for dipping into a warm cup of caffè latte in the morning.

Crisp, golden biscotti infused with bright citrus notes, delivering the perfect balance of zesty freshness and satisfying crunch. Made to be dunked, they come alive when paired with your favorite coffee, making every bite a cozy Easter indulgence.

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Makes: 16 buns   Cinnamon buns are not the easiest thing to make and not going to lie, there are a lot of steps, and it takes time to make them.  But these are worth it.   Ingredients Dough 1 packet yeast 1 tsp sugar 225 ml warm milk heated to 100°F 2 large eggs, room temperature 80 gr melted butter 1 tsp salt 100 gr sugar 520 gr flour Cooking spray   Filling 120 gr butter, room temperature 200 gr packed brown sugar 3 tbsp ground cinnamon   Ici

Scorri a basso per Italiano   Makes: 12 tarts   I love the cherry pie filling I get in Canada and use it as much as I can when I’m visiting.  Today I made this cherry tart topped with a nutty crumble.  Then served it warm with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream.  Delicious and loved by all.   Ingredients ½ cup (45 gr) Harvest crunch oats with almonds 4 tbsp flour 5 tbsp brown sugar 4 tbsp melted butter 12 frozen pie tarts 1 can (540 ml) cherry pie filling   Direction Pre

Gianduia or Gianduja is a traditional Italian chocolate that originated near Turin in the Piedmont region. In 1806, Napoleon’s Continental System restricted British goods from entering European ports under French control, leading to a shortage of cocoa. To adapt, local chocolatiers began mixing chocolate with finely ground regional hazelnuts, giving rise to Gianduia.

I did a taste test between Gianduia and Nutella and found that Gianduia has a more profound taste of hazelnuts and chocolate.  It truly is way better than Nutella and therefore I had to put it into puff pastry rolls.  Warning, these didn’t make it to dessert, they were eaten before dinner because the kids couldn’t stop eating them.  Therefore, hide them 🤣

I made this heart shaped cake for Valentine’s Day, to have with a coffee for breakfast.  I used a silicone pan for the first time and I just love how well it worked.  I did spray the pan with cooking spray.   This cake has three layers of batter and two layers of cinnamon sugar with blueberries.  The top is finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Yeah, its Nutella Day! Let's crack open a jar and slather that deliciousness of chocolate and hazelnuts on whatever we like. Of course, if you are allergic to hazelnuts like my brother Vince, then stay away. Here is the story behind Nutella....

Scorri a basso per l’italiano   Makes 24 rolls   I found lemon spread at the grocery store and since Ariana was over and wanted to make cookies we put together these lemon coconut and pecan rolls.  I always have puff pastry in the fridge so it is easy to make these with her.    Ingredients 2 round puff pastry rolls Lemon cream Finely chopped pecans Shredded coconut 1 egg Fancy sugar sprinkles Icing sugar   Directions Preheat oven 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment p

I love the custardy Portuguese Nata but I know the authentic ones are a lot of work.  Being in Italy, I have access to really good puff pastry therefore I created this recipe that is simple to make, not the authentic but still delicious.

Scorri a basso per l’italiano   Serves: 12   Because Gianni can’t have chocolate and our traditional Italian tiramisu, I’m coming up with different options. I’ve been on a coconut kick lately and decided to try to make a tiramisu incorporating this ingredient and of course we can’t have raw eggs therefore there are none in this recipe.   I can’t find roasted coconut flakes; therefore, our first step is to make some.  I used 2/3 rd of the coconut to make a lighter roasted coc

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Serves: 24 - 42 depending on how much people like ice cream 😊  IT'S EASY TO MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM!  My kids and grandkids love gelato or Italian ice cream and with the holidays here I decided to make a big ice cream cake full of Biscoff and chocolate.  Super simple to make and delicious as a snack or a dessert after dinner.    Ingredients 86 whole Biscoff cookies 8 crushed Biscoff cookies 1500 ml whip cream 3 tsp salt 1200 gr condensed milk

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Makes 30 – 40 cookies depending on size of cookies   These cookies are very light and fragile therefore don’t make a good give-away cookie, but they are a great addition to any Christmas platter, and everyone will love them.   These can be frozen in airtight container for up to three months.  Just take them out and once thawed, sprinkle them with icing sugar.   Ingredients 120 gr pecans 90 gr icing sugar 240 gr unsalted cold butter, cut into sm

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Makes 12 mini cheesecakes   Mini cheesecakes are always loved by everyone, and I made this one for a special friend who loves cheesecake and can’t get it here in Italy.  Simple to make and absolutely delicious.   These are best made the day before you need to serve as they will set and absorb all the wonderful flavours.   Ingredients 250 gr ground Biscoff cookies 95 gr melted butter 1 tbsp sugar 450 gr softened cream cheese 135 gr Greek yogurt

Scorri a basso per L’Italiano   Makes 40 – 60 pieces depending on the size you cut the pieces   Salted crackers are the base of this crunchy, chocolate-covered treat that we top with a little bit of nuts and fleur de sel to give this candy extra flavour.  They are a great treat to add to any holiday baking and loved by everyone.   Ingredients Cooking spray 43 saltine crackers to line a 10 x 15-inch (25 x 38 cm) baking tray 225 gr unsalted butter 220 gr brown sugar 1 tsp vanil

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Makes 100 cookies   There is something about the taste of orange and cranberries but add some pecans and these cookies are delicious.  They are a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter.   Plan ahead to make these at they need to chill in the fridge for five hours or in the freezer for 1.25 hours before they can be baked.   Ingredients 300 gr sugar Zest of 4 oranges 450 gr softened butter 120 gr icing sugar 1 tbsp vanilla 4 egg yolks 650

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Makes 30 – 60 pieces depending on size of pieces   Toffee is a rich caramel candy that when topped with chocolate, makes it hard to stop eating it when you start.  I use pecan nuts, but you can use whatever nut you like.  Add some Christmas sprinkles and these toffee pieces become festive bites.   I used a candy thermometer to not have to guess when the caramel was ready.  Just dip the thermometer in the pan, making sure the tip is submerged in

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano   Makes: 28 Madeleines   I’ve had Madeleine cake in France and have been wanting to make some for Christmas for a while but didn’t have the pan.  Pans in hand I’m ready to make these pretty little cakes.   In Italy I can’t buy eggnog therefore I used the recipe I made.  You can use store bought if you can’t find it, otherwise it is very simple to make. NOTE: To freeze, place the madeleines on a baking sheet and freeze for ½ hour.  Then you can pl

Scorri a basso per l’Italiano Makes: 70 cookies   A butter cookie flavoured with rum, butterscotch, pecans and walnuts is perfect for our taste buds.  Simple to make and are a great addition to any Christmas baking platter.   Ingredients 350gr butter at room temperature 100 gr icing sugar ½ tsp salt 500 gr flour 1 tbsp rum 60 gr finely chopped pecans 60 gr finely chopped walnuts 185 gr butterscotch chips   Rum Glaze Ingredients 100 gr icing sugar 1 tbsp rum 2 tbsp milk 50 gr